Following my previous day's proclamation regarding God's "natural church" in the woods, I must say, there is also nothing quite like sitting in a very, very old church whose stone walls and high wood ceilings dating hundreds of years old, enormous organ pipes bellowing and choir singing, elevate my spirit and transcend my thoughts in communion with the Almighty.
I give you - Church of the Holy Rude ("rude" or "rood" means cross) in Stirling, Scotland. Site of Mary, Queen of Scots' attendance, baptism and coronation of her son, James VI, and much, much more dramatic history. When I travel, I like to get a feel for the local life, so this morning, in cold, hard rain, my mate and I walked the short 4 minutes to church service. Welcomed by all, I sat in reverence, trying to preserve this amazing moment. These settings provoke such serious contemplation.
Tomorrow I will set down some thoughts from the sermon, but for now...
Where do ye most feel connected, if you do, to a higher power? Out in nature? In a glorious cathedral? In your own Zen room? In the tub? Alone or with others? Silent or rousing choir? Nowhere? Everywhere?
Joseph Campbell (See my suggested readings) speaks of finding your bliss station. Is this where we find God?
Confession#104: My bliss station is when all three of my grown children are in another room and I sit silent, hearing their laughter and murmured talk. I am not in the scene, just listening...and smiling. That, for me, is pure bliss.
Confession #105: During today's intentions part of the service, I welled up with gratitude to God, the Universe, whatever my source is, for my incredible journey to Scotland, for my health and good fortune while here, and for such loving friends and family to return to.
0 comments:
Post a Comment